Published
Mon, Nov 7, 2016, 00:46
- The French producer and composer was one of electronic music's earliest innovators.
Jean-Jacques Perrey has died of lung cancer at 87.
The Frenchman is recognised as one of electronic music's earliest pioneers and innovators. In the 1950s, Perrey began working with the Ondioline, a forerunner to the modern day synthesiser which he embraced and demonstrated across Europe. Years later he befriended Bob Moog and became one of the Moog synth's earliest adopters. His relationship with the instrument went on to define his recording career.
Upon moving to New York in the '60s, Perrey began to experiment with splicing tape to create loops and sequences. He met Gershon Kingsley, a former understudy of John Cage, and formed the duo Perrey & Kingsley. Together they released two influential albums, 1966's The In Sound From Way Out and 1967's Kaleidoscopic Vibrations: Electronic Pop Music From Way Out. Their recording of "Baroque Hoedown" became the soundtrack for the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland and Disney World for decades.
Perrey went on to collaborate with a wide range of artists across a 60-plus year career, including Luke Vibert and Cosmic Pocket, creating high-spirited, vibrant music up until his death. Speaking on The Happy Electropop Music Machine!, the 2006 album he created with Dana Countryman, Perry said: "Today, more than ever, mankind continues to face so many negative influences. So, many years ago, I decided to make it my musical mission to contribute by bringing more optimism, humour and faith in the future to all my brothers and sisters of this planet."
According to his daughter, Patricia Leroy, Perrey died on Friday, November 4th, in Lausanne, Switzerland, following "a very quick and violent lung cancer."
Listen to Perrey's 1972 track, "Gossipo Perpetuo."
Also check out "Schwing", a track from his 2007 album Moog Acid with Luke Vibert.